Atomos Space develops autonomous Orbital Transfer Vehicles (OTVs) that can dock with, tow and reposition satellites to different orbits. The company starts with high-powered electric propulsion and views those systems as stepping stones to future nuclear OTV options for faster, longer-range missions. Its technology aims to lower costs for satellite operators by enabling simpler spacecraft that rely on OTVs for mobility; the company claims this approach effectively halves launch costs. Atomos is also positioning its propulsion and docking tech for broader applications, including asteroid deflection and deeper-space mobility. The firm has built and ground-tested docking and propulsion systems and is preparing to fly its first vehicles. With the new funding it plans to finish the first two full-size commercial vehicles and double the size of its team ahead of a launch booked in under 12 months. Atomos Space builds reusable orbital transfer vehicles (OTVs) — space tugs — intended to tow multiple customers to their orbital destinations over each tug’s operational lifetime. Its Quark OTV is designed to carry tens of customers and operate for about five years; the company says its first two spacecraft are slated to launch in 2023 with another expected in late 2024. While Atomos intends to deploy nuclear-powered tugs (the Neutron vehicle) in the later 2020s, its initial vehicles will use solar-powered systems. The company has executed and won over $2 million in contracts with NASA, the U.S. Air Force and the U.S. Space Force to support its OTV plans. Atomos paused an initial $5 million raise planned for spring 2020 due to the pandemic and reported it was funded through 2021 without additional capital. The startup emphasizes using nuclear propulsion long-term to scale in-space transportation, while acknowledging regulatory, technical and cost challenges for space nuclear applications.

Total raised

$21M

Funding rounds

2

Latest round

Series A

Latest activity

Jan 2023